Strawberry
Premium fruit crop with exceptional market value. Can generate over KSh 300,000 per season on 1/8 acre with proper management.
Growing Requirements
climate
- Cool highland conditions preferred
- Temperature: 15-25°C
- Altitude: 1800-2500m above sea level
- Protection from extreme heat
Task Timeline
Total cycle duration: 60-90 days from planting to harvest
Investment & Returns
Costs Breakdown
| Category | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
Certified Planting Material Per acre | 80,000 |
Land & Bed Preparation Per acre | 40,000 |
Irrigation System Per acre | 100,000 |
Mulching Materials Per acre | 25,000 |
Fertilizers & Chemicals Per acre per year | 60,000 |
Labor Per acre per year | 120,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | 425,000 |
* Costs may vary based on location, season, and market conditions.
Expected Returns
Yield
6-8 tons per acre per season
Price Range
KSh 400 - 800
Seasonality
Two seasons per year, premium prices during off-season
Common Challenges
Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea)
Most serious disease causing fruit rot and blossom blight. Thrives in humid conditions and can cause 50%+ losses.
SOLUTIONS
- •Improve air circulation through proper spacing
- •Drip irrigation to avoid leaf wetness
- •Fungicide rotation (Captan, Switch, Pristine)
- •Remove infected plant material
- •Reduce humidity in protected cultivation
Anthracnose Fruit Rot
Fungal disease causing dark spots on fruits, especially during warm, wet weather. Can cause significant post-harvest losses.
SOLUTIONS
- •Apply preventive fungicides (Captan, Pristine, Cabrio)
- •Avoid overhead irrigation
- •Harvest at proper maturity
- •Proper post-harvest handling
- •Resistant varieties where available
Verticillium Root Rot
Soil-borne fungal disease causing wilting, stunted growth, and plant death.
SOLUTIONS
- •Use certified disease-free planting material
- •Soil fumigation before planting
- •Crop rotation
- •Avoid waterlogged conditions
- •Remove infected plants
Aphids and Spider Mites
Insect pests causing leaf damage and transmitting viruses. Reduce fruit quality and plant vigor.
SOLUTIONS
- •Regular monitoring and early intervention
- •Insecticide application (Malathion, Dimethoate)
- •Biological control agents
- •Maintain field hygiene
- •Avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen
Market Information
Potential Buyers
Premium Supermarkets
Price: KSh 500-800 per kg
Requirements: Fresh, unblemished fruits, Proper cold chain, Attractive packaging, Consistent quality
Hotels & Restaurants
Price: KSh 400-600 per kg
Requirements: High quality, Consistent supply, Proper sizing, Good appearance
Export Markets
Price: KSh 600-1000 per kg
Requirements: KEPHIS certification, Premium quality, Cold chain compliance, Proper packaging
Food Processing
Price: KSh 300-500 per kg
Requirements: Bulk quantities, Lower grade acceptable, Consistent supply
Value Addition Opportunities
Frozen Strawberries
Potential Return: 300-500% markup
Investment: High
Strawberry Jam & Preserves
Potential Return: 400-600% markup
Investment: Medium
Strawberry Juice & Smoothies
Potential Return: 300-400% markup
Investment: Medium
Plan Your Strawberry Project
Transform your knowledge into action with these practical next steps
Step 1: Assess Resources
Evaluate your land, water access, initial capital, and labor availability before starting your strawberry farm.
Step 2: Create Business Plan
Develop a detailed plan covering costs, expected returns, market strategy, and risk management for your strawberry farm.
Step 3: Implementation Timeline
Create a schedule for land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting to align with optimal growing seasons.
Unlock Your Farm's Potential
Take the next step. Get expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals for growing Strawberry.